Washington State Removes Barriers for Undocumented Immigrants Seeking Professional Licenses

Washington Governor Jay Inslee on Wednesday, March 13, signed House Bill 1889 into law in a move to bolster the state's workforce.

This legislation eliminates prior restrictions that prevented residents lacking permanent legal immigration status from obtaining professional licenses. Previously, professions like optometry, private investigation, and notaries mandated US citizenship as a qualification for licensure. House Bill 1889 removes this requirement, opening doors for qualified individuals to contribute to Washington's economy in a broader range of fields.

Governor Inslee expressed confidence that the new law will create opportunities for qualified individuals to pursue careers in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and accounting. The legislation also addresses the confusion surrounding social security number requirements for professional licenses. The current regulations often pose a barrier for potential applicants, leading to uncertainty and hindering qualified individuals from pursuing their desired professions.

The bill's passage comes in response to Washington state's growing unauthorized immigrant population. According to the Pew Research Center, roughly 3.9% of the state's residents, approximately 300,000 people, are undocumented. While the exact number of individuals who will take advantage of the new licensing guidelines remains unclear, representatives from local universities anticipate significant benefits for undocumented students. The University of Washington Tacoma, for example, reports that roughly 5% of its student body, or around 200 individuals, are undocumented.

A university representative highlights the broader impact of the legislation, emphasizing that many students have family members and friends who possess the qualifications but are restricted by their immigration status from obtaining professional licenses. The University representative stresses that this untapped pool of skilled workers presents a valuable opportunity to contribute positively to the state's economic development. The new licensing regulations will take effect on July 1, 2024, paving the way for a more inclusive and qualified professional workforce in Washington state.